Guardian Students + Student politics | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/series/guardian-students+studentpolitics
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Do 'no platform' policies threaten free speech at uni? Students share their viewshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/oct/26/do-no-platform-policies-threaten-free-speech-at-uni-students-share-their-views
<p>Our panel responds to the government’s clampdown on student unions which ‘no platform’ controversial speakers</p><p>The debate on campus free speech was rekindled last week as Jo Johnson, the universities minister, announced that the newly created Office for Students will be given powers <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/oct/19/ministers-plan-fines-for-universities-which-fail-to-uphold-free-speech">to fine, suspend or register universities which do not uphold “freedom of speech” on campus</a>. The proposal would entail a clampdown on “safe spaces” and no platform policies. But what do students think about it?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/oct/26/do-no-platform-policies-threaten-free-speech-at-uni-students-share-their-views">Continue reading...</a>Student politicsStudentsEducationHigher educationFreedom of speechYoung peoplePrevent strategyThu, 26 Oct 2017 09:14:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/oct/26/do-no-platform-policies-threaten-free-speech-at-uni-students-share-their-viewsPhotograph: Chris Radburn/PAPhotograph: Chris Radburn/PALucas North, Guo Sheng Liu, Josh Salisbury, David Troy, Clare Patterson2017-10-26T09:14:32ZThe NUS doesn't represent the average student – because there's no such thinghttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/24/nus-union-no-average-student
<p>The union may have its flaws, but let’s not pretend there’s a mass of students it’s forgotten about, says <strong>Richard Brooks</strong></p><ul><li>A response to Alexander Fullerton’s blogpost: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/10/nus-mess-tom-harwood-president-clean-up">‘The NUS is a mess. As president, Tom Harwood could clean it up’</a></li></ul><p>A few articles, including a <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/10/nus-mess-tom-harwood-president-clean-up">student blog</a> for the Guardian, have recently criticised the National Union of Students (<a draggable="true" href="https://www.nus.org.uk/">NUS</a>) for failing to represent the average student. The organisation stands accused of fixating on supposedly irrelevant debates on global politics, while ignoring real student issues. But this argument has a fundamental flaw: the average student doesn’t actually exist. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/10/nus-mess-tom-harwood-president-clean-up">The NUS is a mess. As president, Tom Harwood could clean it up</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/apr/11/student-loan-interest-rate-rise-uk-inflation-brexit">Student loan interest rate set to rise by a third after UK inflation surge</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/mar/31/working-while-studying-how-can-i-get-my-social-life-back">Working while studying: how can I get my social life back?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/24/nus-union-no-average-student">Continue reading...</a>Student politicsStudentsEducationHigher educationMon, 24 Apr 2017 14:35:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/24/nus-union-no-average-studentPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyRichard Brooks2017-04-24T14:35:06ZThe NUS is a mess. As president, Tom Harwood could clean it uphttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/10/nus-mess-tom-harwood-president-clean-up
<p>The union has become bogged down by irrelevant issues. Tom Harwood is the only candidate who speaks for students like me</p><p>I was left thoroughly disappointed last June when my university, Oxford, voted to remain a member of the NUS. At best, the NUS as an institution could be described as laughably moribund. At worst, it threatens to alienate a large proportion of students with controversy and irrelevant debates; the very people the NUS is supposed to represent.</p><p>Is there anyone who can help resuscitate student politics? Well, my bet is on Tom Harwood, who recently became an NUS delegate for Durham, running on an anti-NUS platform. Two weeks ago, he announced his intentions to run for NUS president. His campaign is the only one to offer the opportunity of change. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/16/nus-national-union-of-students-vote-break-away-malia-bouattia">NUS under pressure as students vote to break away</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/24/new-nus-president-not-antisemitic-isis-sympathiser">I’m the new NUS president – and no, I’m not an antisemitic Isis sympathiser | Malia Bouattia</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/21/new-nus-president-muslims-malia-bouattia">Attacks on the new NUS president show the limit of free expression for Muslims | Iman Amrani</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/10/nus-mess-tom-harwood-president-clean-up">Continue reading...</a>Student politicsStudentsEducationHigher educationMon, 10 Apr 2017 14:28:59 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/apr/10/nus-mess-tom-harwood-president-clean-upPhotograph: YouTube/Tom Harwood/YouTubePhotograph: YouTube/Tom Harwood/YouTubeAlexander Fullerton2017-04-10T14:28:59Z'Students: boycott survey to stop cynical plan to raise fees'https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/jan/05/students-boycott-survey-to-stop-cynical-plan-to-raise-fees
<p>The National Student Survey is set to go live and universities are urging every third-year student to fill it in. So why is the NUS calling for a boycott?</p><p>The National Student Survey (NSS) goes out annually to final-year undergraduate students – in 2016, 431,000 students were invited to take part in it – providing feedback on their courses and the university as a whole. Seems harmless? Well, it isn’t.</p><p>The NSS represents big money in terms of university marketing – university student satisfaction scores are emblazoned over recruitment literature, and are used as a core component of institutional league tables. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/jan/05/students-boycott-survey-to-stop-cynical-plan-to-raise-fees">Continue reading...</a>StudentsStudent politicsEducationHigher educationTeaching excellence frameworkHigher Education NetworkThu, 05 Jan 2017 10:34:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/jan/05/students-boycott-survey-to-stop-cynical-plan-to-raise-feesPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoSorana Vieru2017-01-05T10:34:55ZWant to make a difference at university? Join the clubshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/sep/21/want-to-make-a-difference-at-university-join-the-clubs
<p>University clubs and societies can be life-changing – for you and for others</p><p>It’s often said that university is as much about what you do outside of your degree as it is what you do for it. Maybe it’s that sort of cavalier attitude that leads to some of the best and worst decisions of our lives – shots from belly buttons and nights out you don’t remember with people you’ll never forget. </p><p>But joining societies in your free time can be as productive as studying, if not more so. University needn’t be a bubble, so here are some examples of societies that might make all the difference to your CV, your life – and even others’ lives.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/may/16/student-politics-campus-students">Why we all need student politics | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jul/16/bored-of-party-politics-on-campus-think-about-thinktanks">Bored of party politics on campus? Think about thinktanks</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jul/25/why-i-started-an-lgbt-club-at-my-all-girls-school">Why I started an LGBT club at my all-girls school</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/sep/21/want-to-make-a-difference-at-university-join-the-clubs">Continue reading...</a>FreshersEducationHigher educationStudentsStudent politicsAdvice for studentsWed, 21 Sep 2016 13:12:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/sep/21/want-to-make-a-difference-at-university-join-the-clubsPhotograph: Umang KhandewalPhotograph: Umang KhandewalRohan Banerjee2016-09-21T13:12:07ZStudent politics has a fight on its hands. We will only win by working togetherhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/01/nus-national-union-of-students-vote-break-away-gift-government
<p>Votes to disaffiliate from the National Union of Students are a gift to a government that is destroying universities</p><p>As the government formalises its plans for another rise in tuition fees, the student movement stands at a crossroads: will we force the government to backtrack, or will we descend into division?<br></p><p>In the past few weeks, several student unions have held referendums on their affiliation to the National Union of Students (NUS). Most have voted to stay, but we must take on board their urgent concerns about our ability to fight for students’ interests. This week, six more universities will hold ballots: Oxford, Bath Spa, Essex, York, Nottingham and Durham.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/16/nus-national-union-of-students-vote-break-away-malia-bouattia">NUS under pressure as students vote to break away</a> </p><p>The last thing we need is to give the government an excuse to discredit and ignore the NUS</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/18/trouble-on-campus-is-the-nus-is-beyond-repair">Trouble on campus: Is the NUS beyond repair?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/01/nus-national-union-of-students-vote-break-away-gift-government">Continue reading...</a>StudentsStudent politicsEducationHigher educationPoliticsYoung peopleSocietyWed, 01 Jun 2016 10:34:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jun/01/nus-national-union-of-students-vote-break-away-gift-governmentPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoShelly Asquith2016-06-01T10:34:38ZBoris, Tatchell, Greer: were they actually no-platformed?https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/05/boris-tatchell-greer-were-they-actually-no-platformed
<p>Leading figures have reacted with fury to students’ reluctance to have them speak on campus. But were they really banned by the NUS, if at all?</p><p>Most university students – 63% according to a <a href="http://www.comres.co.uk/polls/bbc-victoria-derbyshire-no-platform-poll/">recent survey</a> – are in favour of the National Union of Students (NUS) having a “no platforming” policy. The policy allows the union to block certain individuals or organisations from speaking at their events.</p><p>However, no-platforming has been a source of tension over recent months. Critics on both the political left and the right have condemned the “disinvitation” of various high-profile speakers as an attack on free speech. The policy makes regular headlines revealing the latest jilted and aggrieved activist, academic or politician.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In response to recent events, please see the below response from the King's Think Tank. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeSpeech?src=hash">#FreeSpeech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCL?src=hash">#KCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/YTtj4Yx3RO">pic.twitter.com/YTtj4Yx3RO</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/05/boris-tatchell-greer-were-they-actually-no-platformed">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationSocietyStudent politicsProtestThu, 05 May 2016 10:48:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/may/05/boris-tatchell-greer-were-they-actually-no-platformedPhotograph: Murdo Macleod for the GuardianPhotograph: Murdo Macleod for the GuardianAlfie Packham2016-05-05T10:48:21ZStudents vote to sabotage plans to rate teaching in universitieshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/apr/20/students-vote-to-sabotage-plans-to-rate-teaching-in-universities
<p>We will boycott the National Student Survey unless the government drops its plan for a Teaching Excellence Framework, say delegates at NUS conference</p><p>Students have found a weapon in their battle to stop the government raising tuition fees still further: at a conference in Brighton they have voted to sabotage two key surveys unless the government withdraws its planned reforms.</p><p>The National Union of Students will boycott both the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Student_Survey">National Student Survey (NSS) </a>and the Destination of Leavers from higher education survey (<a href="https://www.hesa.ac.uk/stats-dlhe">DLHE</a>), which provide statistics the government needs to carry out its plans.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/apr/20/students-vote-to-sabotage-plans-to-rate-teaching-in-universities">Continue reading...</a>StudentsStudent politicsUK newsHigher educationEducationWed, 20 Apr 2016 16:45:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/apr/20/students-vote-to-sabotage-plans-to-rate-teaching-in-universitiesPhotograph: NUS conference/NUS press officePhotograph: NUS conference/NUS press officeAlfie Packham and Emma Jacobs2016-04-20T16:45:08ZA student guide to campaigning for refugeeshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/mar/29/a-student-guide-to-campaigning-for-refugees
<p>From setting up English classes on campus to teaming up with local organisations, here’s how you can help<br /></p><p>This year started off well for student activism – especially when it comes to refugees: in February, Queen Mary University London (QMUL) held two open days to help asylum seekers and refugees with legal advice. A few weeks later, <a href="http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/14307054.Students_march_through_city_centre_to_demand_better_refugee_treatment/?ref=mr&amp;lp=13" rel="nofollow">students in Oxford grabbed the spotlight with a march through the city</a> to demand better treatment of refugees.</p><p>Plenty of universities now offer scholarships each year for those fleeing conflict, including the <a href="https://www.uel.ac.uk/News/2015/09/UEL-offers-postgraduate-scholarships-to-Syrians-fleeing-conflict" rel="nofollow">University of East London</a>, <a href="https://www.york.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2015/refugee-crisis-initiatives/" rel="nofollow">York</a> and <a href="https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/insite/news/intnews2/refugee_scholarships/" rel="nofollow">Warwick</a>. Still, with over 2 million students across the UK, the potential for action is immense and many resources remain untapped. Here’s how you can make a difference. <br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/17/students-demonstrate-support-for-the-plight-of-refugees">Students demonstrate support for the plight of refugees</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/dec/23/medical-students-sacrificing-time-refugees-calais">The committed medical students sacrificing their time for refugees</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/dec/17/university-is-one-place-youre-not-labelled-refugees-who-flee-war-to-study">'University is one place you're not labelled': refugees who flee war to study</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/mar/29/a-student-guide-to-campaigning-for-refugees">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationRefugeesVolunteeringVoluntary sectorSocietyStudent politicsTue, 29 Mar 2016 10:12:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/mar/29/a-student-guide-to-campaigning-for-refugeesPhotograph: Neil Hall/ReutersPhotograph: Neil Hall/ReutersAnna Pujol-Mazzini2016-03-29T10:12:34ZFirst trans student to run for women's officer stands up to backlashhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/26/first-trans-student-to-run-for-womens-officer-stands-up-to-backlash
<p>Anna Lee, who calls herself a ‘queer trans disabled lesbian woman’, says online trolling and personal abuse highlight the importance of her campaign</p><p>The first “queer trans disabled lesbian woman” to run for women’s officer at the National Union of Students (NUS), Anna Lee, celebrated her birthday on Tuesday by giving herself a rest from interacting with online abusers, trolls and transphobes. </p><p>Since <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Anna.Charlotte.Lee/posts/482327018631782">announcing late last week</a> on Facebook that she would run for the position, she says she has been “inundated by mostly middle-aged white men who seem to be very angry about it”. <br></p><p>Some people can’t imagine that a trans person could have more than one issue to them</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/26/first-trans-student-to-run-for-womens-officer-stands-up-to-backlash">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationTransgenderLGBT rightsSocietyStudent politicsWomenFeminismUK newsFri, 26 Feb 2016 09:58:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/26/first-trans-student-to-run-for-womens-officer-stands-up-to-backlashPhotograph: Anna LeePhotograph: Anna LeeAbby Young-Powell2016-02-26T09:58:09ZWhy I'm protesting alongside healthcare students to save the NHShttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/09/why-im-protesting-alongside-healthcare-students-to-save-the-nhs
<p>We should all rally behind the healthcare students battling to save NHS student bursaries – everyone’s future is at stake</p><p>In the 2016 autumn spending review, the government announced plans to scrap the NHS student bursary and replace it with tuition fees, landing future nurses with <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/nhs/12018994/Nurses-and-midwives-could-face-65000-debts-under-loans-plans.html">£65,000 worth of debt</a>. Healthcare students <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/08/student-nurses-march-nhs-bursary-campaign">point out</a> that this would mean students end up effectively paying to work for the NHS on their placements.</p><p>These funding cuts being driven through by the Tories start from a totally incorrect assumption: that education only benefits the individual, and therefore the individual should bear the cost. But nowhere is it clearer than in the case of student nurses, that education benefits everyone in society.<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/08/student-nurses-march-nhs-bursary-campaign">Student nurses prepare to march as anti-fees campaign swells – #BursaryOrBust</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2015/dec/07/will-scrapping-nurse-bursaries-help-or-worsen-nhs-staffing-crisis">Will scrapping nurse bursaries help or worsen NHS staffing crisis?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/09/why-im-protesting-alongside-healthcare-students-to-save-the-nhs">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationAusteritySocietyProtestNHSStudent politicsHealth and social careTue, 09 Feb 2016 10:23:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/09/why-im-protesting-alongside-healthcare-students-to-save-the-nhsPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyBarbara Ntumy2016-02-09T10:23:15Z'Now is the time to step up': students urge others to register and votehttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/08/now-is-the-time-to-step-up-students-urge-others-to-register-and-vote
<p>Following news that changes to the electoral register will disenfranchise thousands of students, young people urge their peers to fight back<br></p><p>Students are warning their peers that they are in danger of losing their votes because of changes the government has made to how voters are registered. An estimated 800,000 people <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jan/31/electoral-register-loses-estimated-800000-people-since-changes-to-system">have dropped off the electoral register</a> since the government introduced changes to the system – and students are at the biggest risk of being disenfranchised. <br></p><p>Under the new system, individual electoral registration (IER), universities cannot block register students in halls of residence. “The transition has resulted in a significant fall in the number of people on the electoral register in areas with a university,” says Gloria De Piero, the shadow minister for electoral registration.</p><p>Lets be honest, we don’t want our parents choosing our futures for us do we?</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jul/22/play-fair-with-young-people-george-osborne-let-16-year-olds-vote">Play fair with young people, George Osborne – let 16-year-olds vote</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/08/now-is-the-time-to-step-up-students-urge-others-to-register-and-vote">Continue reading...</a>Student politicsStudentsEducationHigher educationVoter apathySixth formPoliticsMon, 08 Feb 2016 11:35:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/feb/08/now-is-the-time-to-step-up-students-urge-others-to-register-and-votePhotograph: Matthew Chattle/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Matthew Chattle/REX/ShutterstockAbby Young-Powell2016-02-08T11:35:41ZLondon students refuse to pay rent and demand 40% cuthttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/25/london-students-refuse-to-pay-rent-and-demand-40-cut
<p>Over 150 UCL students risk eviction because they are refusing to pay rent for university halls that they say have become unaffordable <br></p><p>Students in London are refusing to pay rent in protest against “soaring” accommodation prices, and are demanding a 40% cut in rental.</p><p>More than 150 students in two halls of residence at University College London (UCL), are withholding rent amounting to over £250,000. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/uclcuttherent/">UCL ­Cut the Rent campaign</a> says they will not pay until the university meets their demand for their rent to be cut by two-fifths. <br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/30/university-college-london-awards-students-300000-rat-infested-housing">University awards students further £300,000 over rat-infested housing</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/25/london-students-refuse-to-pay-rent-and-demand-40-cut">Continue reading...</a>StudentsStudent financeEducationUCL (University College London)Higher educationMoneyProtestHousingStudent housingStudent politicsUK newsMon, 25 Jan 2016 16:56:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/25/london-students-refuse-to-pay-rent-and-demand-40-cutPhotograph: UCL Cut the RentPhotograph: UCL Cut the RentAbby Young-Powell2016-01-25T16:56:38ZThree steps to building a successful student campaignhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/22/three-steps-to-building-a-successful-student-campaign
<p>As a student you’re in a strong position to campaign, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Follow these tips to successfully build pressure for change<br></p><p>As a student you’re in a strong position to campaign; holding people, organisations or governments to account. You are surrounded by others who potentially share similar desires to make a difference and may well have access to pre-existing campaign groups. Plus for many students, trying new things is par for the course.</p><p>Despite all this, if you want to establish your own campaign it can be hard to know where to begin and how to stay on track. Here are some tips to build pressure for change and to make your campaign a success. </p><p>I've been kettled and arrested – and survived to tell the tale</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/12/is-the-duke-of-edinburgh-award-really-uni-application-gold">Is the Duke of Edinburgh award really uni application gold?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/06/grants-support-and-spare-time-why-you-should-start-a-business-at-uni">Grants, support and spare time: why you should start a business at uni</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/22/three-steps-to-building-a-successful-student-campaign">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationStudent politicsProtestFri, 22 Jan 2016 14:15:58 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/22/three-steps-to-building-a-successful-student-campaignPhotograph: Dominic Lipinski/PAPhotograph: Dominic Lipinski/PATess Riley2016-01-22T14:15:58Z#GrantsNotDebt: students protest against scrapping of grants – in pictureshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/gallery/2016/jan/19/students-protest-against-scrapping-of-maintenance-grants-in-pictures
<p>Thousands of students have protested against the government’s decision to scrap maintenance grants for poorer students. Protesters, who say the plans amount to a ‘direct attack’ on working class young people, gathered outside the House of Commons in Westminster on Tuesday afternoon and also blocked Westminster Bridge. Under the new system, grants worth up to £3,500 will be scrapped and replaced with loans. Labour has said that ditching the grants will dash the ‘hopes and dreams of a generation of strivers’.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/gallery/2016/jan/19/students-protest-against-scrapping-of-maintenance-grants-in-pictures">Continue reading...</a>StudentsStudent politicsProtestEducationHigher educationTuition feesMoneyTue, 19 Jan 2016 18:03:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/gallery/2016/jan/19/students-protest-against-scrapping-of-maintenance-grants-in-picturesPhotograph: Tom Nicholson/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Tom Nicholson/REX/ShutterstockAbby Young-Powell2016-01-19T18:03:29ZNUS president: 'I dream about days where no Tories turn up to vote'https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/19/nus-president-i-dream-about-days-where-no-tories-turn-up-to-vote
<p>Megan Dunn, National Union of Students president, urges students to join the fight against the soaring costs of university education<br></p><p>There aren’t many quiet days for a National Union of Students president faced with a government intent on squeezing every last penny out of students. </p><p>I’m meeting Megan Dunn at parliament today, where MPs are about to debate the government’s decision to replace maintenace grants with loans. It’s a move that will see England’s poorest students rack up almost £13,000 more debt over their time at university.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/gallery/2016/jan/19/students-protest-against-scrapping-of-maintenance-grants-in-pictures">Students protest against scrapping of maintenance grants –&nbsp;in pictures</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/19/nus-president-i-dream-about-days-where-no-tories-turn-up-to-vote">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationStudent housingStudent financeTuition feesStudent politicsUK newsTue, 19 Jan 2016 18:03:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/19/nus-president-i-dream-about-days-where-no-tories-turn-up-to-votePhotograph: Mark Kerrison/Demotix/CorbisPhotograph: Mark Kerrison/Demotix/CorbisLawrence Wakefield2016-01-19T18:03:24ZSexuality and culture: the appeal of studying gender at universityhttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/14/sexuality-and-culture-the-appeal-of-studying-gender-at-university
<p>Courses focused on sexual inequality and diversity can be a key step towards careers in charities and academia </p><p>You don’t need a master’s in feminism to understand inequality between the sexes. However gender studies has become one of the most popular cross-disciplinary postgraduate courses. Embracing history, law, sociology, politics, geography, economics, literature and the arts and even science subjects, gender-related degrees attract a cross-section of students. </p><p>Some come straight after their undergraduate studies to prepare for careers in NGOs, charities, women’s organisations or academia. But the courses are equally popular with those already employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors who want to delve deeper into issues they encounter.</p><p>It's hard to think about any area of life without thinking about gender</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/sep/07/gender-studies-anti-discrimination-case">Let's get this straight. Gender studies isn't about 'women good, men bad' | Jonathan Dean</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2012/nov/19/so-few-men-gender-studies">Why do so few men take gender studies courses?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/14/sexuality-and-culture-the-appeal-of-studying-gender-at-university">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationGenderFeminismWomenStudent politicsThu, 14 Jan 2016 10:12:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/jan/14/sexuality-and-culture-the-appeal-of-studying-gender-at-universityPhotograph: Simon J evans/Simon J EvansPhotograph: Simon J evans/Simon J EvansLiz Lightfoot2016-01-14T10:12:43ZEight student stories that defined 2015https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/dec/22/eight-student-stories-that-defined-2015
<p>From pop-up pubs on Ben Nevis to the free education protests, we look back at some of this year’s biggest student news stories<br></p><p>Barely a day went by in 2015 without students hitting the headlines. There have been walkouts that went viral, endless column inches debating free speech on campus and, as ever, plenty of protests. <br></p><p>Some students found themselves trending across the internet unintentionally, while others made the news because of extraordinary achievements, or powerful campus campaigns. <strong> </strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/dec/22/eight-student-stories-that-defined-2015">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationStudent politicsTue, 22 Dec 2015 11:34:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/dec/22/eight-student-stories-that-defined-2015Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesEsra Gurkan and Helen Lock2015-12-22T11:34:43ZHow students use FOI to investigate their universitieshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/24/how-students-use-foi-to-investigate-their-universities
<p>After the government’s proposal to exempt universities from the Freedom of Information Act, students highlight how it’s used to hold those in power to account</p><p>Perhaps you want to know which universities <a href="http://www.redbrick.me/news/featured-news/library-fines-which-universities-make-the-most-money/">make the most in library fines</a>, or are curious about what the <a href="http://www.cherwell.org/news/uk/2015/10/24/outcry-over-university-pay-gap">gender pay gap</a> is like at the top. Or maybe you suspect your university staff are <a href="http://issuu.com/exepose/docs/issue_12v2/1">spending too much on first-class rail tickets </a>or the <a href="http://waterfrontonline.co.uk/news/can-you-put-a-price-on-the-deans-comfort-yes-2k">dean’s office furnishings</a>. These are just some of the ways that students are using freedom of information (FOI) requests to find out eye-opening facts about their universities’ activities.</p><p>But recently the government has put forward a proposal to make universities exempt from the Freedom of Information Act in a recent <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/higher-education-teaching-excellence-social-mobility-and-student-choice">green paper on higher education reform</a>. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/jan/21/university-of-sussex-to-offer-apology-and-compensation-to-student-protestors">University of Sussex to offer apology and compensation to student protesters</a> </p><p>Our request was rejected because it would endanger links with outside companies</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/24/how-students-use-foi-to-investigate-their-universities">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationFreedom of informationStudent politicsTue, 24 Nov 2015 10:18:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/24/how-students-use-foi-to-investigate-their-universitiesPhotograph: Samuel Hardy / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: Samuel Hardy / Alamy/AlamyHelen Lock2015-11-24T10:18:20ZMyth: young people are more tolerant than their parentshttps://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/06/myth-young-more-tolerant-than-parents
<p>Fact: around the world, right-wing organisations rely on youngsters’ support <br /></p><p>Even those who think that the politics of millennials is <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/07/millennials-economics-voting-clueless-kids-these-days/374427/" rel="nofollow">naive or inconsistent are likely to concede</a> that the young tend to be more liberal on social issues. But with youth fuelled far-right parties increasingly featuring in Europe’s headlines, from the success of neo-facist party <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/16/greek-election-2015-golden-dawn-austerity">Golden Dawn</a> in the Greek general election, to the recent historic majority for the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/27/poland-law-justice-party-wins-235-seats-can-govern-alone">Polish Law and Justice party</a>, is it time to re-evaluate our view of the socially-progressive young?</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/05/myth-the-young-have-turned-their-backs-on-marriage">Myth: the young have turned their backs on marriage</a> </p><p>Most of the data I’ve seen suggest that white millennials are no less prejudiced against blacks than older whites are</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/06/myth-young-more-tolerant-than-parents">Continue reading...</a>StudentsEducationHigher educationPoliticsStudent politicsFri, 06 Nov 2015 12:58:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/nov/06/myth-young-more-tolerant-than-parentsPhotograph: LOSMI CHOBI/SIPA/REXPhotograph: LOSMI CHOBI/SIPA/REXAndré Rhoden-Paul2015-11-06T12:58:18Z